HIV

HIV services offered in Cicero and Chicago, IL

In the United States, around 1.2 million people have the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but 13% of them don’t realize it. At Cermak Immediate Care in Cicero and the Marshall Square neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois, their team can screen for and treat HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Schedule an HIV test at Cermak Immediate Care by calling the office or using the online booking feature today. Walk-ins are also welcome.

What is HIV?

HIV is an STD caused by a virus that spreads from person to person through blood contact — partially sharing needles — or vaginal, anal, or oral sex. HIV infects and destroys cells within the immune system, weakening it and making it harder to fight other diseases.

If HIV significantly weakens the immune system, it progresses into a form of the disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Without treatment, HIV will develop into AIDS after about 10 years.

What puts me at risk of contracting HIV?

Having unprotected sex (or sharing intravenous drug needles) with someone infected with HIV is how this disease and other STDs spread. Babies can contract HIV from their mothers during childbirth or via breast milk.

Populations with higher rates of HIV include people who are Hispanic and Black, persons who exchange sex for money, and men who have sex with men. However, anyone with STD risk factors can contract HIV.

Which symptoms does HIV cause?

You might not notice symptoms of HIV, which is why routine STD testing (especially if you’re at risk) is necessary. Early potential symptoms of HIV include:

Muscle aches
Fever
Sore throat
Mouth sores
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Night sweats
Rash
Fatigue

When these initial flu-like symptoms subside, you might not have other symptoms of HIV for years, but you can still spread the virus to others.

If untreated HIV develops into AIDS, your risk of some cancers, infections, and neurological conditions rises.

How does my provider diagnose HIV?

Diagnosing HIV at Cermak Immediate Care includes a discussion of your symptoms and reviews of your medical history, medications, and lifestyle. Your specialist might order blood or saliva tests to screen for HIV and other STDs. In some cases, you’ll need a second test.

How is HIV treated?

HIV can’t be cured, but treating it reduces your risk of spreading HIV to other people and slows the disease’s progression. Treatment consists of taking medications (antiretroviral therapy). You must continue treatment indefinitely to protect your immune system, lessen the risk of AIDS, and reduce disease transmission.

Some medications diminish the chance of contracting HIV in people recently exposed to the HIV virus.

Schedule HIV screening at Cermak Immediate Care by calling the office, requesting an appointment online, or simply walking in today.